Saturday, September 25, 2010

If there's one thing I say over and over again, it's that I have an extremely talented, insightful, loyal and creative pool of customers at Kanibal Home. It's allowed me to push the limits of the shop, offer art classes and one-of-a-kind events and partner with some serious fashion, design and art experts.

That said, I'm happy to introduce a new kind of post over here at the Kanibal Home blog: For you, from you. Yup, that's right. Blog posts written by the Kanibal Home customers. So if you have something to say or share, shoot me a line. And, for our first guest post, I'm happy to introduce Amie Kershbaum -- a local information and fashion junkie.

TAKING ON THE TRENDS: FIFTIES REVIVAL
-- By Amie Kershbaum

When the highly influential Miuccia Prada sent down the runway 1950's inspired silhouettes featuring voluminous circle skirts last February, I was far from excited. Then Marc Jacobs echoed the aesthetic with his show at Louis Vuitton and I knew it wasn't going to be the greatest season for fantasy wardrobe building. (I'm not sure if that is a generally understood term, but it's my version of a fantasy sports pool with no betting.)

(Lara Stone in the Fall 2010 Shows: Louis Vuitton; Source: Style.com)

(Lara Stone in the Fall 2010 Shows: Prada; Source: Style.com)

Although I'm a vintage fiend, I've never even tried on a piece from the 50's.I'd need to grow at least a foot to dream of pulling off those skirts that hit the very unflattering mid-calf length. The soft, lightweight sweaters might look do-able on the rack -- but keep walking if you're like me and fill out a top more like Kate Moss than "It" model du jour Lara Stone. I consigned myself to overweighing my fantasy "line-up" with more body-friendly fall trends like the resurgence of Helmut Lang's "protective" urban uniform (aaah loads of black, grey and boot cuts) and the camel coat.

Then I found myself inspired by the thick gold chain jewelry in the "Magnificent Obsession" spread in the July issue of Vogue styled by Grace Coddington. Always the inimitable genius, Grace incorporated an accessory that is not only pitch-perfect with the period being referenced, but wearable regardless of body type and highly versatile. Chunky chain link jewelry works with casual basics, and surprisingly well with more downtown pieces owing to the heft and simplicity.

(Magnificent Obsession, Vogue, July 2010)

While I won't be channeling or mock-acquiring the more easily recognized 50's inspired trends (I'm passing on the bustier tops and elbow gloves), I'll be rocking the gold chain links into autumn and beyond.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

If I didn't have to man the shop -- as well as assemble it -- I would have torn my vest off already. I feel like an overcooked Hot Pocket. That might not seem like it has much to do with anything, but I worked up quite a sweat building new furniture and arranging displays today.

And I'm really pleased with the result! Today = furniture overall (and the second part of the shop renovation) and tomorrow I'm slated to put out close to 10 new styles of clothing. Phew. I'm going home to shower, rest and start the third book in the Hunger Games series.

While I cool off, take a look at Kanibal Home's mini transformation:

(Zinc birds fly around the mug display)

(Wire storage baskets in three sizes -- all under $20)

(Blue and green goblets)

(Because who doesn't need a hand sometimes?)

(Cast iron hand wall hook and a drawer pull display)

(Vintage-inspired side table adorned with an amazing array of details)

(Resin rhino head -- can be displayed as-is or hung on the wall)

(Giant rusty skeleton keys)

(A wooden console table and lamp that make a nice first impression)

(A great bench seat for indoor or outdoor use -- tip: it folds flat for easy storage!)

Monday, September 20, 2010

If I could create my own fortune cookie it would read: You are easily excited, but lack patience of any kind.

Which is a good thing and a bad thing, because it doesn't take much to get me all jazzed up BUT if I need to wait for something ... oh geez, hold on. Because it will not be a pleasant ride if you're in the passenger seat.

So, on that note, I'm super psyched that the shop's new shelving finally arrived. I'm not too psyched that it was backed ordered for three months. I'm also really excited that a whole ton of new furniture will be arriving in the store this week as well. Good and bad. That's life.

Here's a little look at the shelving that's driven me insane and a few other changes around Kanibal Home:

(Jewelry branch)

(A cow skull and lock & key necklace hang side by side.)

(Large and small Moroccan-inspired dishware in a beautiful amethyst hue.)

Saturday, September 18, 2010

My mother isn't one to hold back her feelings and growing up the Scalia kids knew exactly how she felt around back-to-school time. After spending a full summer with five kids 24/7, to say she was ready for us to be gone was a gross understatement. The first week of September was her equivalent of Christmas.

Now working at the shop I see it a little different. I still feel that same excitement for change, but it's a little like looking in from the outside. But I am seeing that same enthusiasm for the school year from my friends with kids. You get a lot of "Well, it's not like I don't love little Bobby or spending time with him ... it's just that -- well -- holy god I need some ME time!"

So, to all you parents and big kids going back to school to get your learn on, have a great September. This window design is for you.

(Crafted sign made out of paint, graph paper and broken pencils. Vintage school chair and 1950's chest props.)

Kanibal Home

We are a home furnishings and lifestyle store rooted in the belief that history is the heart of the home. Kanibal Home’s offerings include refurbished vintage furniture, found objects & new home decor, apparel and gift items. “Pretty things” can make life better, but they can also be better for life. Kanibal Home repurposes goods, devouring the old and creating something new.